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ROB, THE HERMIT. 



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ROB, THE HERMIT; 



THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND. 
A ROMANTIC DRAMA, 

3fn Sonv ^cta, 

DRAMATIZED FROM J. P. KENNEDY'S NOVEL OF "ROB OF 
THE BOWL." BY 



CHARLES FREDERICK ^ ADAMS. 



COBEECTLT PRINTED FBOM THE PROMPTER S COPY, WITH THE CAST OF 

CHARACTERS, COSTUMES, PROPEUTY PLOTS, RELATIVE POSITIONS 

OP THE DBAMATfS PEUSON^!, SIDES OF ENTRANCE AND 

EXIT, DISPOSITIONS OF CHARACTERS, ETC., ETC. 



NEW YORK: 



O. 






br 



HATPY HOURS COMPANY, 

No. 6 BEEKMAN STREET. 



q~ 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1879, by 

HAPPY HOUES COMPANY, 
in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



ROB, THE HERMIT; 

OK, 

THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND, 

CAST OP CHAEACTEHS. 

Original, Whites Opera 
House, Concord, N. H. 

Rob, the Hermit, (Tragedy) Mr. N. C. Nelson, 

RjCHAUD CocKLESCRAFT, (High Villain) " C. N. Towle. 

Captain Dauntrees, (Cantedy). " Frank Cressy. 

Lord Bai.timoke, f tV^iliing Geni ) " R.A.Ray. 

Albert Verhevden, (Jiai^itiU) " J.E.Robertson. 

Anthony Warden, (Old Man) " F.S.Warren. 

Garret Weasel, ( Z^OTu Cowcrt^ J " W. P. UnderhiU. 

Arnold db la Grange, ( iZ/Z/Z/y ) " J. R. Saye. 

Roche DEL Carmine, ('Z^izo ^ZiJ(iK«y " F. W. Alden. 

Francis. {Utility) " S. N. Prescott. 

Pedro, (UtilUy) " J. F. Scott, 

Blanche Warden, ( Tragic) Mrs. Belle Locke. 

Dorothy Weasel, (Comedy) " M.F.Upton. 

Kate of Warrington, ( Tragic Old IVotnan) Miss Dora R. Garvin. 

Soldiers, Pirates, &>€ 



COSTUMES. 

Rob, the Hermit.— Tiouhlet of coarse serge, trunks and hose, coarse cloak, long 
gray wig and beard, belt with long knife. 

Richard Cocklescraft — Scarlet jacket, ash-colored breeches, made like kill to 
knees ; tight pray hose, light shoes, embroidered belt with pair of richly mounted 
pistols, long black hair, moustache and goatee, wide sombrero in Scene II, Act II, 
gay cap for other scenes. 

Roche del CuriKine — Gay pii-ate's dress. 

Lard Baltimore — Rich military or nobleman's costume of the period. 

Albert I'erkeydeii. — Dark doublet and hose, short brown cloak, black cap and 
feather, lace collar. 

Anthony IVardea. — Gentleman's costume of the period, white hail. 

Garret IVeasel. — Tight gray suit. 



ir BOB, TH£ HEBMIT. 

Captain Dauntrees. — Stoutly padded, bald crown, light green cloak and doublet, 
trimmed with yellow lace ; trunk hose, parti-colored stockings, low boots, broad 
felt hat with plume. 

Arnold de la Grange. — Buff jerkin, broad belt and buckle, brown leather leggings, 
deerskin cap. 

Francis, Pedro and other Pirates. — Seaman's jackets, striped and colored shirts, 
white breeches, rich girdles with pistols and daggers, gay woolen caps, etc. 

Soldiers. — Similar to Arnold's or Captain's. 

Blanche Warden. — Bodice of scarlet velvet, laced in front with cords and tassels ; 
short white sleeves looped to shoulder by bands of scarlet, white lawn skirt, white 
slippers, hair down, with ribbon fillet above brow ; boquet on bosom, white rose on 
head, for Scene III, Act II. Simpler costume in other scenes. 

Dorothy Weasel. — Green silkjacket with tightsleeves, trimmed with pink ribbon ; 
Stays, scarlet petticoat, brown hose with clocks, high-heeled green shoes, high coni- 
cal hat with very narrow rim, of green silk with bands of pink ribbon set on teeth- 
wise, same as onjacket, loose kerchief around neck. 

Kate o/ Warring-ton.— Witch's costume, long hair. 



PKOPERTIES. 

ACT 1. 

Table, flagons of wine, glasses, pipes, tobacco, &c. Four chairs. Candles. Key 
for Dorothy. Lantern and basket, with luncheon and bottles in it, for Garret. 
Red lights. Loaded pistols for Captain and Arnold. Shots for outside. 

ACT II. 

Kettle for fireplace. Rude wooden cross. Locket for Albert. 

ACT in. 

Rough table, bottles of liquor, tobacco, pipes, casks, boxes, &c. Papers and lan- 
tern for Rob. Lighted candles. Wine cups. Cords for Francis and Pedro. 
Large round stone tied with cords. Locket for Albert. 

ACT IV. 
Loaded gun for Anthony. Shots outside. Pikes for Pirates. 



%* There is no qharge for the performance of this drama. 



ROB, THE HERMIT; 

OR, 
THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — Parlor nf the Inn of St. Mary's in third grooves. Time, 
evening. Table withfiagon of wine, glasses and pipes, b,o. 

Captain Daunteees aud Arnold de la Gkanoe discowred seated at 
table. Garret Weaski/ seated 7iear by. 

Captavi Danntrees, Yon were not a true mau, Garret Weasel, to 
keep us so loug without j'our preseuce. No doubt Dame Dorothj' has 
this tardy comiug to answer for. 

O'lrrel Weasel. (Drawing his chair aickwardly towards the table. ) 
No, uo. Captain Dauutrees, my wife rules not nie, indeed she does 
not. Ciistoiiiers, yon know, must be wuited on, though we poor ser- 
vants go alhiret. We are crowded to-night, are we not, Arnold ? 

Arnold de la Grange, Yes, with traders Irom thecimntry back, who 
Lad lieard by some means that Cocklescraft should be here. 

Cupt. I see. That fellow Cocklescraft has a trick <>f warning his 
frieniis. He never comes into port but there are strange rumors of 
Lini ahead. St. Mary's is not the first harbor where lie drops his 
anchor, nor Anthony Warden the first man to docket Lis cargo, 

Oar. You speak your mind freely, captain, 

Gapt. Well, but for Cocklescmft we should lack these means to be 
uierry. The customs are at a discount on a dark night. Well, make 
jour Lonest penny. Garret, all thirsty fellows will etaud by you. 



BOB, THE HEBMIT ; OB, 



Qur. Naj', nay, I beseech j'on 

Capt. Mever uiiud your beseecbiug, iny modest friend. Did I not 
see bow pule you f^rew wliea bis lord^bip's secretary, Master Verliey- 
den, suddenly caiue upon you as you were rolHuf^ a cask into tbe 
cellar in broad daylight. Tbe secretary was iu a bookish mood and 
did not heed, or perchance was kind and would not. 

Oar. The secretary is a modest youth and grows in favor with tbe 
townspeople. 

Capl. Aye, and is much beloved by bis lordship. There is a 
cloud upon bis birth, and a sorrowful tale concerniug bis nurture. 
But we should not go dry because the secretary has )iad mishaps. 
Drink; and I will tell you bis story brieflv. ( Tliey drink, ) There 
was iu Yorkshire a certain Major SVilliam Wetherby. who mai'ried a 
lady named Verheydeu. He was a man of fierce temper, choloric, 
and unreasonable, and for jealousy no devil ever equalled him. Be- 
coming jealous of his wife, be one day stabbed bis liest friend to the 
heart. By tbe aid of a fleet horse be escaped from the kingdom, and 
was never again beard of. 

Arnold. Died like a dog, I s'pose. " 

C(ipl. Likely enough. His wife, poor lady, soon after died, leav- 
ing her infant son in charge of her brother. Years after, Lord Balti- 
more saw the youth, tocik iiim into his service, ami brought hiiu here 
with bim. That's the whole story. It's as dry as a raisin, so moisten, 
masters, moisten. 

Gar. (Drinking.) It's a sad story. 

Gapt. That's a good reason for a cup to tbe secretary. The world 
has many arguments for a thirsty man. But let's chauge the subject. 
Drink, laugh and be merry. (They drink. 

Gar. By my soid, captain, bnt this wine does tingle. Here's a fig 
for my wife Dorothy. Come and go as you like, none of your fetch 
and carry for me. ( Tipsily. 

Gitpt. Thou art a valorous tapster. 

Gar. I am a man to stand by a friend, captain. Ha, ha ! let's 
have a song. 

Gapl. With all my heart. I will wag it with you merrily. 

(They sing an old drinking song, Gabret Weasel rising and 
dancing unsteadily. 

Enter Lord Baltimore, s.e.Ii. 

Lord Baltimwe. You give care a holiday, Captain Danntrees. 

(Captain Dauntrbes starts, rises, bows low, and smiles. Ar- 
nold DE LA GiiANGE vises, firm and silent. Garret Weasel 
remains fi.zed in his (dtitnde, icith one fool raised, arm extended, 
and face turned inquiringly over his shoulder. His posdion 
changes to one of profound deference, 

Capt. Haii, my loid ! 

Qar, Yes, haiiC ^^i^, good lord I 



THE BLACK CHiPEL OP MABYLAND. 7 

Lord B, I would not disturb yonr merriment, but have matter for 
your vigilence, Captaiu Daimtrees. You, Ariiohl de la Grange, will 
remaiu witli us. You, Musster Weasel, may retire. 

(Exit Garrex Weasel, o.e.l., stepping carefully and looking 
back. 

Lord B. There are strange tales concerning certain mysterious 
doings in a bouse at St. Jerome's, that it is iuhiibited by goblins and 
mischievous spirits. Know'st thou aught of the Black Cliapel, cap- 
taiu ? 

Uapt. I know it to be a devil's den and a busy one. 

Loul B. What bast thou seen, captaiu. 

Capt. 1 have seen — from a distance— the windows lighted with 
unearthly lights, and antic figures passing them that seemed deep iu 
some hellish carouse. 

Loid B. Why was I not told of this ? 

Capt. We feared the ill-will of these spirits, my lord. 

Lord B. What dost thou know of tliis house, Arnold ? 

Arnold. I have heard noises like clanking chains, and seen strange 
flushes tliro' the windows. 

Lord B. There is some trickery iu this. 

Enter Garret Weasel, u.e.l., behind Lord Baltimore. 

Oar. It's a very weighty matter, my lord, a v-e-r-y weighty mat- 
ter 

Lord B. (Turning suddenly.) What brought yon here again. 
Garret Weasel? What hast thou to tell to excuse thy lurking at our 
heels ? 

Gar, Much and manifold, most worthy lord ! "Rob, the Hermit" 
lives very near the Black Chapel. 

Lord B. Fie on thee. Garret Weasel. Thou art in thy cups. 1 
grieve to see thee making such a beast of thyself. Leave us. 

(Ecil Garret Weasel, u.E.t. 

Lord B. Think you, Captain Dauntrees, the hermit gives credit to 
these tales ? 

Capt. He must be a witness to these marvels, but he is a man of 
harsh words and lives to himself. 

Lord B. Tills matter must be sifted ; and this duty shall be yours. 
I would have you and Arnold, with such discreet men as you may 
select, visit this chapel to-night and observe tlie doings there. Good 
evening, friends, may tlie kind saints be with you. ( E.dt s e.l. 

Capt. The blessed martyrs shiehl us ! We are pledged to fight liis 
lordship's bodily foes, but nietliinks the t;ood priests were j)etler 
fitted for this warfare. But, Arnold, go to the fort and see that oiir 
horses are ready. ( Bieit Arnold db la Grange, h.k.h, 

Enter Dorothy Weasel, u.e.l. 

Dorothy Weasel. Heaven help those thirsty roystering men I They 



8 ROB, THE HEUMIT ; OR, 

are still nt it as greedily as if they had just come out of a dry lent! 
From mom till noon aud uoou till iiigiit it is all tlie same, drink 1 
driuk I driuk ! There's nothing but riot and reeling from the time 
Cocklescraft is expected in the port till he leaves it. 

Qipt. True enough, jolly queen. But what has become of Oockle- 
Bcraft ? 

Doi\ And what has become of that man Weasel. He is never at 
bis place if the whole house Hh(mld go dry. He would see me work 
myself as thin as a broom handle before he would offer to help me. 

JEiiter Gakuet Weasel, s.E.n. 

Gar. Did yon have need of me, wife Dorothy ? 

Dor. Get you gone, you are ever iu the way ! Your head is al- 
waj's thrust iu places where it is not wanted I 

Oar. I can but return whence I came. ( Going, 

Dor. Stay ! I have occasion for you. Go to the celler and bring 
up another stoop of Hollands. Yonder salt fish have no relish for 
ale. ( ExilG\.nRKT Weasei,, u.e.l. 

Capt. Bless me, dame, how you are tricked out this evening. A 
more tidy hit of flesh and blood I never saw ! You wear most bravely, 
Mistres,s Dorothy I Stand aside and let me survej'. Turn your 
shoulders roimd. (TamiiKj Iter rmutd upon her heel.) Tliere is a 
woman of ten thousand. I envy Garret such a store of womanly 
wealth ! 

Dor. If Garret were the man I took him for j'pur would have 
borne a broken head ere this I 

C'<ipt. 1 would speak now with Garret iu this room, prett}' hostess. 
For my sake you will send him to me, will you not, old Garret's jolly 
young wife I 

Dor. You wlieedling cheat ! Garret is no older than you are. 
But, truly, he is little needed in the tap-room, so he may come to 
you. 

Capt. Thank you, dame. I knew you would not refuse me. Hark 
you, dame. Bring your ear to my lips. A word in secret. (Doro- 
thy stoops. ) That's for thy pains. (He kisses her. 

Dor. And that's for thy impudence, saucy captain ! 

(Boxes Ids ears and exits u.e.l. 

Elder Garret Weasel, u.e.l. 

Capt. You must know, Garret, that we go to-uiglit to visit the 
Wizard's Chapel, by his lordship's order. And as 1 would have 
brave fellows with me, I have sent lor you. 

Gar, Heaven bless nie ! It might mar the matter to have so many 
on so secret an expedition. And there's my wife Dorothy. She will 
never consent. 

Capt. Leave that to me. You shall be our conmiissary and take 
along a few bottles of good canary and a luncheon in a basket. 



THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MAr.YLAND. 



Gar. I sliouUl have ui^' nag, aud my wife keeps the key ot the 
stable. Sbe wonUl suspect soiuetLiiug were I to ask lor it. 

Ckipt. I will luiike ber give it you of Ler own uccoril. Say tliat 
you will go with us, Garret. It will be the fiuinliiug stroke of your 
fortnues ; you will be a man of mark forever after. 

Oar. i am a man to be looked to in a strait, captain ! I saw by 
liis lordship's eye this evening that he was much moved by what 1 
told him. But what will Dorothy say in the morning ? 

Copt. Only that you were rash aud hot-headed. Why, only to- 
uiglit she sigiied and said yon were growing old. 

Gor. Old ! old ! did she say ? I'll show her that I am not old. A 
fig for her .scruples ! I will go with you, comrade, to any goblin's 
chapel. Old, indeed ! 

(DoBOTHY Weasel shows herself at door, s.e.l. 

Gipt. Come in, come in, my princess of pleasant thoughts. 

(Gakukt Weasel retires np. 

Enter Dorothy Weasel, s.e.l. 

Dor. There's nothing but soft words or swaggering speeches where 
you are, Captain Dauntrees. An honest woman had best be seen 
little in your company. (Seats herself, B.C. 

C<(pt. Have you heard the news, Mistress Dorothy, about the 
mercer's wife? i'ou owe the jade a sly grudge, do yon not? 

Dor. in laith 1 do, and would gladly pay it. But what is the 
storv, captain ? Pray tell it me, give me all of it. 

C'upt. Wliy, liave you not heard it? It's a rare joke, aud Gar- 
ret must have told you. 

Dor. No, no. 'i'he story wonld only be spoiled by his telling if. 

Capt. It's a long story. 1 pray you, dame, what o'clock 
is it ? 

Dor. Not after nine It matters not for the honr— go on. 

Capt. Nine? nine? did yon say? Truly, dame, I have overstaid 
my time. I liave papers to deliver to his lordship before he retires. 
Garret must tell the story for me. 

Dor. Nay, captain. Tlie papers may be delivered by some other 
hand. Here] Garret, now, there's no reason why he should not do it. 
'Tis but a step to the fort aud back. 

Gar. (Coinbig down l.) I cau take my uag aud ride there in 
twenty minutes. 

Dor. I'lien get you gone, without parley. 

Gar. But the key of the stable, wile ? 

Dor. ( Handing him key. ) Take it aud begoue. 

Capt. If you will go. Garret— and it's very kind in you— take these 
papers and see that they are delivered safely. (Giving him papers. ) 
Yon comprehend ? 

Gar. I comprehend, captaiu. (Exit 8.E.L. 

Dor. Now, captaiu ? 



10 ROB, THE HERMIT ; OB. 

Capt. Well, mistress, old Cadger, the mercer, you know, who is in 
the main a discreet man 

Dor. Yes. 

Capt. I mean, biding some little follies, which 3'oii know of. A 
mail iu his vocatiou is apt to be somewhat cautious. Now iu our 
calling of soldiership caution is a sneaking virtue, which we soon 
Bend to the 

Dor. But of the mercer's wife, captain. 

Capt. Yes, I am coming to her preseutl}'. Well, Cadger is a shade 
or two jealous of that fussock, his wife, who looks, with her new 
russet cloak, more like a brown hii y-cock than a woman. 

Dor. (L'liuihiiig,) Yes, and with a suu-burued top. Her red 
hair is no better. 

dipt. Well, Halfpennj', the chapman, who is a mad wag for mis- 
chief, came last night to G.idger's house, .l)riugiiig with him La>v- 
rence Hay, the viewer. Now the viewer is a hcimlsonie man, and ft 
merry one upon occasion, too. I have heard it said tliat the mercer's 
wife has rather a warm side for the viewer. Be tliat s it niay, there 
was the most laughable joke played on the mereer by Halfpenny and 
the viewer togetiier last night that was ever tliought of. It was this : 
they were playing blimlmans-buflf, and when it came the turn of the 
mercer's wife to be blinded — there was an agreement that no one 
should speak a word 

Dor. Yes, I understand, I see it. 

(Draws her cluiir nearer to the Captain. 

Capt, No, no, you would never guess it. I can show you better 
by the acting of the scene. Here, get down on your knees and let 
me put your handkerchief over your eyes. 

( Takes Jinudkerchief from off her )ieck as she kneels. 

Dar. What good will that do ? 

Capt. Do it, mistress. You will laugh at the explosion. It is an 
excellent jest, and well worth learning. ( Bandaijes her eyes — holds up 
fingers. ) How many fingers, dame ? 

hor. Never a finger do I see, captain. 

Capt. It is well. Now stand up. ( She rises. ) Forth and a waj'. 
That was the signal given by the viewer. Turn, and grope through 
the room, Mistress Dox-othy. Oh, you shall laugh at this roundly. 
Grope, dame, grope ! 

(Dorothy Weasel gropes up stage blindly. Exit Captain Daon- 

XBEES, softly, S.E.B. 

Closed in. 



THE BtACK CHAPEr. OF MARYLAND. 11 



Scene II. — Wood Scene in Second Orooves. Singe darkened. Waves 
heard breakimj upon heivch in dislance. 

Elder Captain Daonteees and Aknoi.d de la QnANaE, anned, and 
Gakbet Weasel, wUh lanlern and basket tcilh, iM)(ties, etc., k. 

Gar. Is the dame likely to be niif:;ry, captiuii ? Does she suspect 
US for a frisk to-uiglit ? Ob, it will be u perilous adveuture for iiie 
to-morrow '. 

Capt. 1 left her groping for a s-ecret nt bliiidnmu's buff. She has 
foimd it before now, und I'll wnrraut is in a perfect Lurricime, It 
wouldn't be safe for you to return now, Oarret. 

O'tr. Alack ! alack ! for tliese pranks ! I uui iii for a week's re* 
peutence, sure, 

C'lpl. We must be near St. Jerome's, are we not, Arnold ? I 
surely iiear the stroke of the tide upon the beach. 

Arnold. It is the waves striking upon the ssiud at the bead of the 
inlet. 

Oapl. The Wizard's Chapel, then, is Jiear this spot. We must 
forwa.id at once. liut your teeth will betray us. Master Garret, they 
chill ter so. If you are cold, niau, button up j'oar coat. 

Gar. Yes, verily, it is a cold uiglit, captaiu. What is that? I . 
hear something like the howl of a dog, and yet more devilish, I should 
say. I am c-c-cold, still c-c-coid, Miuster Captain. (Shivering. 

Capt. Tush, man, it's the ringing in your own ears that you hear. 
Make yourself comfortable here, Garret, while we take a took at the 
chapel. You shall guard the forage till we return. 

Gar. That is well thought of. While you advance toward the 
shore, I will keep a sharp lookout here. I will have a sharp eye and 
a ready hand, captaiu. 

(Exeunt Captain Dauntrees and Arnold de la Grange, b. 

Oar. In the dark, a man cannot see, that stands to reason. It 
makes a difference when you see your enemies. A brave man, by 
nature, requires light. And, besides, what kind of an enemy do we 
fight? Hobgoblins, not meu, I am not afraid of any man in Chris- 
tendom — or any woman either— except, except my wife Dorothy. 
13tit these whirring and whizzing ghosts, that mew like bats and fly 
about one's ears like cats— no, no, 1 mean that fly like bats and mew 
like cats — I don't like. I should have followed the captaiu, only he 
was so anxions I should remain here and watch* Well, here are 
solid comforts at hand. ( T(dces luncheon and bottles from the basket, 
eats and drinks.) I will now perform a turn of duty. (Replaces 
bottles, etc. — crosses stage— suddeultj stops, looking off L —frightened. ) 
Heaven have mercy ou me 3 what do I see ! I am alone, and the 
enemy has conie upon me. 



13 BOB, THE HEBMIT ; OK, 

Enter Kate of Warrington, l. 

Kale of Wamngton. Watcher of the nigbfc, draw nigh. ^Vbat 
Beekest thou ? 

G(ir. (Trembling.) In the name of all that's good, spiire int-, 
sps^reine, worthy dame! I seek no harm to thee. I am old, motlier 
— too old, and with too many sins of my own to account for, to seek 
harm to any one — much less to you, good dame. Oh, Lord ! why 
was I seduced upon this fool's eri-aud ? 

Kdie. Come nigh, old man, while I speak to thee. Why do yon 
loiter there? What dost thou mutter ? ( She steps forwdnl. 

Gar. I but waited here till some friends of mine should return. 
How goes the night with yon, good dame? 

Kate. Merrily, merrily ! ( SkrilHawjh. ) I can but laugh to find 
the henpecked vintner of St. Mary's at Ibis time of night .so near the 
Black Cliapel. I know your errand, old seller of cheap wines, and 
why yon havebrouglit your cronies, 

Qar. You know all things, worthy dame. I were a fool to try to 
keep a secret from you. 

Kale. Fool, it is as much as your life is worth to bring your 
bmwlers to St. Jerome's at midnight. Who showed the way to this 
place, and the path to my cabin, that I must be driven out at this 
hour ? 

Oar. Indeed I know not, good woman. 

Kale. They will call themselves friends to the chapel ; but there 
are no friends to the chapel among living men. The chapel belongs 
to the dead and the tormentors of the dead. So follow your cronies 
and command them buck ; I warn you to follow, if you would save 
them fx-om harm (Hed liijhU fiiislied, i.. ) Ha, ha! look there. 
(Points off, I-. ) It has eoiue already ! They have aroused onr sen- 
tries, and there shall be hot work. Friends, forsooth, (shouting) 
friends ! are ye? ( Red liijhts. ) And that's, the token ye are known 
to be false liars ! Woe to the tool that plants his foot before the chapel. 
Stand there. Garret Weasel ; I must away. Follow me but a step — 
raise thy head to look after my pith — and I will strike thee blind 
and turn thee into a drivelling idiot for the rest of thy days. Ke- 
member ! 

(Mtil L. GAunisT Wjsasel creeps offn., loilh basket atid lantenu 



Scene III. — The Bench of St. Jerome's and Exiej-inr of the Black 
Chapel in Fonrlh grooves. Stage darkened. Set house, wUk practi- 
cable tcitidows, L.C. Waves heard upon beach. 

Enter Captain Dauntbees and Abnold de ia Gbange, s.e.b. 

Capt. By my sword, Arnold, although we langh at yonder white 
livered vintner, this matter might excuse fear in a stouter man. The 



THli BLACK CHAPEr- OF MAKYLAND. 13 

love I bear Lord Baltimore is all that brings me here to-nigbt. Tbey 
say these spirits are quick to piiuisb ra^buess. 

Ai'tiold. As Lord diaries coiniuaiids lis we iinist do his bidding. 
I have been seared more than once by these night devils, but never 
lost my wits so far as not to riiu at the proper season. 

Uapt. I am au old soldier, and will not be soared from dnty by 
this brood of goblins. His lordship shall not say we failed in our 
oxUlook. There is the chapel. 

Arnold^ A silent and wicked bonse. 
Gipt. And a pretty spot for the devil to lurk in. 
Arnold. Hold, captain, no foul words so near the haunted bouse. 
The good saints protect us ! 

Capt. Ha, i will break in the door of this ungodly den and ran- 
Back its very corners. Holy St. Michael ! the fiend is in the chapel 
and warns us away ! 

(lied lights flashed from windows of chapel. Picture. Arnold 

»E LA Grange recedes with ha)id over his eyes. CAFrAiN 

Daxjntrees aboid to advance ^ is suddeidy atrested in his steps 

with sword held above Ids iieud, a7id cloak drawn beneath his 

chhi icith left liund. 

Capt. I see Satan's imps within the chamber. I see the very sex- 

vitors of the Fiend ! W hut ho ! bastards of Belzebub ! In the name 

of our patron saint, Ignatius, I defy them I 

(Rashes towards Jiouse loith draton sword. Redflashes again — 

fl'/nres of men in muffled cloaks seen through the windoios an 

in.sta)U. Captain Dauntrises retreats— draws pistol—another 

flash — he discharges it at window. Yells and hoarse laughter 

heard from chapel. 

Capt. Once more I defy thee ! and in the name of our Holy 

Church and by the order of the Lord Proprietary I demand what do 

you here with these hellish rites? (A load langh is heard and ujns- 

iol fired from xciiidowj Protect yourself, Arnold, these devils use 

weapons like our own. Ay, laugh again, fiends, though ye be devils 

we will fight you ! 

(Captain Dauntrees fires pistol — Arnold de la Grange fires 
— yells, liitghter, etc., heard — shots exchanged — rolling thunder 
heard — red lights — masked figures seen dancing through win- 
dows — Jiurried inusic— picture — curtain drops. 



END OF ACT I. 



14 i\G&, ins. heemit; ob, 

ACT 11. 
Scene I. — Roadside Scene in First Grooves. 

Elder Captain Daunteees, Arnold de la Grange and Gakbet 
Weasel, l. 

C(tpt. Yes, last night made a man of you, Grarret Weasel. You 
sliouid bless your Ktars you iiave such eleineuts of valor in yon. 

G<tr. Ay, auil look you. Captain, you nmst reiiieujber I had the 
bnint of it alone, wliile you two were banded together for mutual de- 
fence and supjiort. Tliere I was in the very midst of them — bags ou 
broomsticks, flying bats as bi^ as a man, great sword-fislies walking 
on legs ; with their screeching, moping and mewing — I bad need of 
all my braver.y, 

dipt. Yes, Garret, b)it you were ever the man to encounter witches 
— and women. Now there is your wife. Oh, but there is peril in 
store for you ! But here comes his lordship. (Looks off u. 

Elder Loud Baltimore, r. 

Lord B. Good morning, friends ; how went tlie night witb tbee? 

CiipL We Lave seen the inmates of the chapel, aud were ou our 
way to report to your lordship. 

G<ir, Ay, your lordship. I nmintained a post of bonor aud great 
clanger, and Sixw what neither the captain nor Arnold saw. Oh, but 
it was a feaiiul sight ! 

Lord B. Well, Arnold, what sayest tbou? 

Arnold. These ghosts an<l goblins keep a hot bouse, and the less 
we have to do with them the better. 

L<nd B. Tliey fired upon you, then ; with what weapons? 

Gtpl. You may judge of them by tiiis. (Holds up kis cloak loilh 
n rent in Us /olds.j Whether this be a bullet mark or an elf-shot, I 
know not 

Lord B. There is knavexy in league with this sorcery. I will hear 
a full report of this hereafter. I thank you, friends, for your ex- 
ploit Farewell. * (Exiti,. 

Cupt. (Looks off V.) In the devil's name, what have we liere? 
As I live, it's our queen of the hostel ! Oh, Gurret. Garret! here's a 
Volcano! Stand liruily on your legs, Garret, aud brace up for the 
onslaught. 

Gar, Oh, oli, it's luj- wife Dtvrothy ! 

CapL Ay, get behind me, Garret, I will answer her. 

(GAicuiiT Weaskl geis behind Captain Dauntbicbs. 



THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARTLAND. 15 



Elder DoKOTHt Weasel, k. 

Dor. Hold, runagates ! varlets ! out iipou you for a filtbj' captain I 
Give me that idiot from your beastly coinpauy. Gunet Weasel, 
Garret Weasel, yon Lave been llie deatli of me ! 

0(ir. Oil, good mistress Dorothy, wife, don't be eo au^ry. 

Dor. 1 will bare you to the buff, driveller, to pay for this. You 
are steeped iu wickedness and abomination by consortino with tliat 
drnlilveu captain and this most horrid wood ranger. Have you no 
eye for your family, no regard for your good name, that yon must be 
strolling o'uii^hts with every pot-gnzzler and foul-mouthed cast-off of 
the wars? P am ashamed of you, Garret Weasel! You've been 
drunk again, I'll warrant! 

Gipt. Dame, I niTist speak now. 

Dor. Thou ! tlioti ! Did you not beguile nie last night, with a 
base lie ? Did you not practice upon me, you false-hearted, faithless 
coward? Did you not steal my husband from me, you thief? 

Gtpt. Appearances, certainly, are against me. But I had a most 
excellent reason, which a virtuous and tender-hearted woman like 
yoiiiself will surely approve when she hears it. There was no revel- 
ling, no rioting, good dame, l;ut ftiilhfiil and brave service enjoined 
by iiis lordship. It was an action of pith and bravery, and his lord- 
ship wishing the good services of your husband, and knowing you to 
be a woman of a loving lieart, ami IVaring you would not consent to 
having your husband S() exposed to ilanger, did wish me to gain him 
from you on some slight pretext. And now Garret has worthily 
achieved his perilous duty, and there will lie promotion and great ad- 
vantages for tills, dame, which will set you high above your neigh- 
bors—ay, and far above that proud jade, the mercer's wife. 

Dcr. Do you speak the truth ? Where di<l you spend the night? 

Giir. At tlie Black Chapel, wife, at the Black Cliapel ! and oh, 
the time we had of it! It would make your blood freeze to hear 
of it. 

Gapt. On the honor of a soldier, mistress, by the faith of this right 
Land, I swear this is true. 

Dor, Can this be true? Arnold, I will believe what 3'oxi say. 

Arnold. You may trust every word of it, as I am a Christian 
man. 

Dor. Well, I believe you. but you are a wheedling, cogging cheat, 
captain ; you will have a melancholy end yet. We will go to the inn. 

( They exeiad k. 



16 BOB, THE HERMIT ; OB, 



ScKNE II. — Liter lor of the HermiCs Hal in Third grooves Praclica» 
lie door. l.f. Fireplace and kettle, r f, 

Rob, the Hermit discoverea seated c. Kate of Waubington at 
work, U.C, 

Rob. Ha ! li.i ! diime, the skipper made a gay fight of it last iiigbt. 
It was the devil's own luck tLat Cocklescralt Kbould have stored away 
his plmider and garrisoned tiie chapel in season to give those spies a 
warm r< ceptiou. H;i ! ha ! yes, he came full Ireiglited, as is his 
wont, with the world's plunder. A keener knave than Richard was 
never born. He will soon be here to visit me, and shall be welcome, 
as he ever has been. "We are conii'ades — the skipper and the hermii 
— and merry m onr divisions. Kate, double the contents of your pot 
— the skipper may be hungry. 

Kale. Let him bring his own provender, then. 

liob. He brings the gold, the bright red gold, old jado ; and so 
shall have a princely reception. That is the Way of the world now-a- 
days, and we shall be in the fashion. Ha ! I hear his footsteps. 

Enter RicHAKD Cocklescraft, door l.f. 

Cocklescraft. Good morn, friend Rob, the Hermit. The chapel 
did us good service last night. 

Itob. Ay, that was a happy thought of mine — the red fire — excel- 
lent devil's fire it makes. And then the masks — the very noses of 
them would frighten his lordship's whole army. But whence come 
you now, and witii what plunder have you stored the chapel? 

Cog. You shall be answered variously, friend Rob. To the good 
people of St. Mary's I am from Antwerp, and master of the merchant- 
ship, the Olive Branch. To you, my comrade, I am from Tortugas 
— captain, del Escalfador, with the very pick of a Spanish bark that 
was fool enough to fall in my way. 

Rob. Ha ! iia ! I guessed thy deviltry, Richard Cocklescraft, when 
I saw thee cross the threshold with that suspicious sombrero on your 
head. Tliat never came from Holland, though you would fain per- 
suade the people of the province that you trade nowhere else. 

Coc. It is a tell tale, and should have been thrown overboard ere 
this. Kate of Warrington, you shall have the sombrero for a bonnet, 
and I have stores of ribbons to set it off. (Gives Iter tlie hat. 

Kale. My share of the world's favors has never been more than 
the cast-off bravery of such as hold a high head over a wicked 
heart. But I must be thankful for these blessings, and so. Master 
Cocklescraft, I thank you. 

fSiie puts tlie hat on and stinds across the stage, 

Coc. How, Kate, you have lost none of that railing tongue I left 



THE BLACK CBAPKL OV MABTLAKD. 17 

with you at my last venture. I marvel tbat the devil has not shorn 
it out of pure envy. 

Kate. You need not fear it longer. You have made your last 
present and your last voyage, boy I 

C'oc. Peace, woman I you are no prophet, though you would have 
folks think so. But, Rob, I have news for you. The time has now 
come when, peradventure, we must part. I will be married, Hubert 
Swnle ! 

Bob. You married I What crochet's this ? I spit upon you for a 
fool! 

Cog. I will be married, as I say, friend Rob, neither more nor less. 
To what wench, say you ? Why, to the very fairest flower of this 
province — the Rose of St. Mary's— the collector's own daughter. 

Rob. The collector's daughter ! AVonKl you sack the town and 
take the damsel ? You know no other trick of wooing. 

Goc. By my honor, Rob, I am esptciiilly besought by the collector 
himself to make one of a chtdce company at his house to-morrow. 
And I shall woo and win his fair daii^'hter. Oh, she will be the very 
biid of the sea ; the girl of the billow, Rob ! 

Rob. You will never find grace with the girl, fool. 

Coc. Thou liest ! I love tlie maiden and mean to have her, fairly 
if 1 can, but after the fashion of the Brothers of the Coast, if I must. 
She may not consent at once, because she has a toy of delight in that 
silken secretary of my lord — one Master Verheyden, I think they call 
him. 

Rob. Ha, what is he ? Whence comes he ? 

Coc. I know not, neither do I care. I will whip him like a dog 
out of my way. What, are you angry, Rob, that you scowl so ? 

Rob. I needs must be to see you making a fool of yourself. 
(Aside. ) Verheyden ! his lordship's secretary ! No, no, it cannot 
be! 

Coc. Mutter as you will, Rob, I will try conclusions with the 
secretary, folly or no folly. If he come between me and the maiden 
he shall smart for it. 

Rob. Ha, ha ! Thy spirit is ever for undoing. Mischief is your 
proper element, your food, your repose, your luxury. 1 have scanned 
you in all your humors. 

Coc. I will not be scorned, old man. The maiden shall be mine 
though I pluck her from beneath her father's blazing roof-tree, and 
then farewell to the province and to you. I came not here to be 
taunted with your ill-favored speech. My men shall be withdrawn 
from the chapel. I will out them on better service than to minister 
to your greed of gain. 

Rob. Hot-brained idiot ! Do you not know that I can put you in 
the dust and trample on you as a caitiff? Tliat I can drive you from 
the province as a vile outlaw? Dare you tempt my auger ? If you 
would thrive even in your villainous wooing, have a care not to pro- 
voke my displeasure. One word from mo and not a man paces your 



18 BOB, THE HERMIT ; OR, - 

deck ; 3'on go abroad nuattended, a fugitive, with line nud cry at your 
beels ; or remiiiu liere to suffer the peuulty of the huv for your crimes. 
How darest thou provoke lue boy { 

Cue. (Advancing.) Your hiiud, Rob. You say no more thaa my 
folly warniuts. Your pardon, let there be peace between ns. 

Hub. Art reasonable again ? Bravely confessed, Richard ? I for- 
pive you for your rash speech. Mow go your way, and may the foul 
tieud speed you. I have naught to coiiusel either for strife or peace. 
Jt will not be long before this wretched body of mine shall siuk into 
its natural resting-place; and it matters not how the reuniaut of 
life be spent — ^whetlier in hoarding or keeping. The world will find 
me an heir for what little wealth I may have accumulated. Go thy 
way. 

Coc. I will see yon again, friend Rob. I go now to the cbapel, 
and then to tlie port to drive my suit to a speedy issue. I came hers 
to give you notice of my design, and perchance to get your aid. You 
have no conusei for me? It is well. My own head and arm shall 
befriend me ; they have served me in straits more doubtful than this. 
Now to complete my work. Farewell. (Exit door L.F. 

Hob. ( Lookliiq (if lev him. ) Go thy way, snake of the sea ; spawn 
of a water devil ! You married ! ha ! ha ! ha ! Your lady gay shall 
have a sweetened cup in you ; and your wooing shall be as tenderand 
gentle as the appetite of the sword-fish ! It shall be festival wooing 
— all in the light— in tlie light — of the bride's own blazing roof-tree. 
Oh, I cannot choose but laugh I ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! 

Closed in. 



Scene III. — Aparimenl in llie Rose Crofl in Second grooves. Time, 
evening. 

Enter Blanche Warden and Albert VerHeyden, B. 

Blanche. I am glad the skipper has not come to the party. Hi3 
shrewdness has taught him that notwithstanding my father's good 
will there is little welcome for liim at the !Rose Croft. 

Alberl. ( LooJcing off i..) You reckon without your host, Mistresa 
Blanche. He la even now coming to greet you. 

JEnter Richard Cocklescraft, I/. 

Coc. Heaven save tlje Rose of St. Mary's, the beautiful flower of 
our new world. You have a gallant company in the liall to-night. I 
am glad to meet the ladies of the province once again. The salt 
waters whet a sailor's eye for friendly faces. Mistress Blanche, you 
have grown even more beautiful than when I last saw you. 



THE BLACK CHAPEL OP MAliTLAKD. 19 



Blanche, Master Cocklescraft. I kuow uot if you ever saw Alberfc 
Verbeytleu, his lordsbip's secretary. 

Cue. I was not so lucky as to fall into his company. We shall not 
lack acquaintance, sir, if you be a friend of the dan<{hter of Anthony 
Warden, the good collector of the port of St. Mary's. Mistress 
Blanche, I have remembered the Rose of St. Mary's in my voyaging. 
She is never so far out of nty mind that I might come biick to the 
port without some token for her. I would crave your acceptance of 
a pretty mantle of crimson silk, which will well become the gay figure 
of our pretty mistress of the Rose Croft, 

Blanche. You may find a worthier hand for such a gift. I cannot 
accept it. Master Cocklescraft. 

Coc. You will, perhaps, think better of it when you see the man- 
tle. Women are so changeable. Master Secretary, I will bring it 
for your inspection, Mistress Blanche. 

Blanche. You may spare yourself the trouble. 

Coc. Nay, mistress, I count nothing a trouble which shall allow 
me to please your fancy, ( Approuclimg Blanchis Wakden. ) I pray 
you, maiden, think not so lightly of my wish to serve yon. 

Albert. (Advancing andiaking him aside. ) Master Skipper, yon 
should be satisfied with her answer as slie gives it you. It vexes the 
daughter of Anthony Warden to be thus besonght. 

Coc. Perhaps you are right, sir, but when I would be tutored for 
roy behavior be shall be a man who does it, and shall wear a benrd 
and sword, both. We shall know each other belter soon, sir. ( Re- 
turns to Blanche Warden.) Well, Mistress Bkmche, so be it. 
Damsels have the privilege of denial all the world over. But I 
would dance with yon at your first leisure. Shalt it be the next 
dance? 

Blanche. I know not wbether I may dance again to-night, Master 
Cocklescraft. 

Coc. There spoke the same voice that refused my mantle. Your 
cruelty, mistress, is only equalled by your beauty. But I will uot 
trouble you with my unwelcome suit. 

Blanche, I will dance with you, Master Cocklescraft. Call on me 
for the next set, and I will dance it with yon. 

( Exewtl Blanche and Albert, k, 

Coc. Ha ! ha ! I thought she would relent. 'Tis not in her na- 
ture to be so unkind. But who and what is this Master Secretary 
that would set the umideu of the Rose Croft against me ? By St. 
lago ! but he shall feel the weight of my baud, and that soon. He 
lied; the maiden did not dislike my questioning ; only to have it 
openly spoken. Old Anthony Warden has shown me grace ; his 
daughter in the end will follow his liking. Am I less worthy iu 
old Anthony Warden's eyes than that pen and ink slave of liis lord- 
ship's occasions ? Ha ! here comes old Anthony. My opportvmity 
has arrived ! 



20 fcoB, THii: HEHMrr ; dB. 



Elder Antbonx Wakdkn, i, 

Coc Well met, Master Wai'deii, well met ! I have a word for 
your private ear. if you please. It is Hoiuewhut late, aud I will speak 
to inj' purpose quickly, iu seaiueu's fashion. 

Warden. Speak quickly, tUeu, Master Cocklescrafl, I shall like it 
the Ijetter. 

Coc, Master Warden, then, without mincing the matter, I would 
Lave your leave to woo our beautiful maiden, your daughter. 

War, Who — what — how ! 

Coc. Your daughter, Mistress Blanche ; ay, aud have your good 
word to the suit. 1 love her like a true sou of the «ea — heartily ; aud 
iu that sort would woo her. 

War. What is this you ask ? 

Coc. I have gold enough, Master Warden ; no man may turn his 
heel upou use for lack of gold. 

War. How now, sirrah 1 Yon would woo my daughter! Woo 
her? ray Blanche? Hichard Cocklescmft, have you lost your wits — 
turned fool, idiot; or is your brain fevered with drink ? Zb(t make 
suit to my daughter! Yoii win aud wear a damsel of her nurture! 
Hear nie ; your craft is a good one — 1 do not deny it — an honest 
calling when lawfully followed— but you sail on a false reckoning 
wlien you hope to find favor with my girl Blanche. Your rough sea 
jacket and your sharking license on the salt sea mates not, with 
daughter of mine — the rose-leaf aud the sea-nettle ! You venture too 
largely on your welcome, sirrah! Master Skipper, there is insolence 
in this. Hark you, sir! If you would not have me disown your 
acquaiuhxuce and forbid you my house, you will never speak again of 
my daughter. (JEkil R. 

(he So it has come to this. It was but a holiday welcome after 
all. A sea-nettle ! He shall find me one ! by St. Anthony ! he shall 
find me one ! Aud that sharking license he speaks of — he shall taste 
its flavor ! I was brought here by his persuasion— yea — command. 
Who so free iu his admission here as I ? Oh, wind aud the broad sea 
sky ; it was not in your nursing I learned the patience to bear this 
wrong. You are not too old yet, Anthony Warden, to be taught the 
hazard of rousing a Bloody Brother ! And for you, gay maiden, 
dream on of your bookish ballad-singer. Master Albert. I have a 
reckoning to settle with him. It will be a dainty exploit to send him, 
feet fir.st, into the chapel for a blessing. Ha ! the secretary himself 
— we meet at a fortunate hour ! 

filler Albebt Veehetden, b.e.b. 

Coc. I have a word for you, sir ; if you be a man yoti will listen, 
Albert, You are somewhat peremptory, sir, I have once before 
Xebuked your rudeue.ss. 

Coc. You have the maiden to thauk that I did not bring you to 



THE BT.ACK C'HAPIcn OF MARTLAND. 21 



instant account for that insolent reproof yon speak of. I wonlil deal 
witb yon for it now. Daie you meet lue to-iuoiTow, at noon, at 
Coinwaley'.s Cioss? 

Albert. I dare meet yon, or any niau wbo Las the right to claim it 
of lue, in the way of houorable quarrel, if such be the meaning of 
yonr i-hullenge. Thongh I question yonr right, you Bhall find me, 
bir, punctual to your Kuuimons. 

C\>c. J t is well. So good-night. Master Secretarj'. (Aside.) To- 
morrow, ha ! ha ! to-morrow I (Exewit b. and l. 



Scene IV. — Comwaley's Cross, Field and toood sce7ie, toith tmter in 
distance, in fourlh grooves. Dark, rude wooden cross in back- 
ground. 

Albert Veehetden and Captain Dauntbees discovered k. Richakd 
CocKi-EscuAFT und KocHK del Gabmine discove^-ed l. The seconds 
holding swords. 

Capt. (Aside to Albkbt.) The skipper is surly. I am glad to 
see it, it denotes passion, lleceive the assault from him ; stand on 
your defence, giving ground slightly to his advance, then, sud- 
denly, when yon have whipped him to a rage, give back the attack 
hotly. Then thmst home ; and the shorter you make this quarrel the 
better. 

Albert. I am more at ease in this play than you think me. Let 
us go to our business. 

(Captain Dauntkees, teith two swords in hand, advances to- 
%oards CocKLESCKArT. 

Capt. I would be acquainted \Fith your second. Master Cockles- 
cralt. Here ai'e our swords ; shall we measure ? 

Coc. Master Eu3che del Carmine. 

Capt. I would you had matched me with an antagonist of better 
degiee. Master Skipper, than this mate of yours. You could match 
us with gentlemen at least. 

Roche. Gentlemen ! St. Salvador ! Am not I gentleman enough 
for you ? I belong to tlie Coast 

Coc. Peace, sirrah ! prate not here — leave me to speak ! Master 
Eoche del Carmine is not my second, but my follower, Master Daun- 
trees. I came here to make niy own battle. 

Capt. I came here ])repared with my sword to make good the 
quarrel of my friend against any you might match me with. So 
second or follower, bully or bravo at your heels. Master Cocklesoraft, 
1 will fight with this Master Koche. 



22 BOB, THK HERMIT ; OR, 

Coc. That is but boy's piny, aud I will none of it, Ciipbiiu Dann- 
trees. This custom of uiaking parties brings the quarrel to an end 
at the first drawing of blood. I wish no such respite. My demand 
stops not short of a niortnl strife. 

Albert, My sword, sir ! ( Walks up to Captain, and seizes sword. ) 
This is my quarrel alone, Captain Dauutrees, you strike no blow iu 
it. (To CocKLEscRAFT. ) Upou your guard, sir! I will have uo 
further parley. 

Capl. (Inlerposing \oith his sioord between the parties.) Are 3'ou 
mad ! Back, Master Verheyden, this quarrel must proceed orderly, 
(He conducts Albert back to b. and recovers sword — places 
Albert hi posUiou — approaches Koche and goes through the 
ceremony of measxcring stoo7-ds — places one in Albert's hand 
— and stands R. wilk his own druicn. KocHE hands sword to 
Cocklkscraft, a)id stands carefully back, u.e.l. Captain 
Dauntrees gives the icord, "Now." Onset made by Cockles- 
craft loitk energy. Blows parried by Albert. Hot fight. 
Capt. Bravo ! To it. Master Albert ! Hotly, master ! 

(Albert strikes sword from Cocklescraft's hand ; slops, and 

brings the point of his own sword to the ground. 

Capt. The fi^ht is done ; we hold you, sir, at mercy. (Places his 

foot upon Cocklescraft's sword. ) Master Verheyden came here 

upou your challenge. Your life is iu his hands. You have had your 

satisfaction, sir. 

(Captain Dauntrees steps aside, and Cocklescraft picks tip 
his sword and advances upon Albeut. 
Coc. Kenew ! Renew ! To it again, villain ! I'll have your life. 
Capt. You deserve to be cloven to the chiu for this dastardly bra- 
vado ! Out upou thee for a disgrace to thy calling ! 

(Strikes Cocklescraft's sword from his hand with his own, and 
sends it into the air. 
Roche. (Advancing at a safe distance.) By the Virgin! I will 
uot see my captain put upou. Whoop ! For the Brothers of the 
Coast ! Let them have it, master ! 

Coc. Catifif! Back to the boat, you knave, is it thus j'ou serve 
me? Begone! (licit Roche del Carmine, u.e.l. — Richard Goc- 
KJ,EficnAFT following.) I go, but shall find another day to right mj'- 
(selfj (Exitv.K.i.. 

Capt. The knave has not met his deserts. But let us return ; his 
lordship will suspect our absence. (Kteunl s e.k. 

Enter Richard Cocklescraft, u.e.l. — picks up his sword, 

Coc. I renounce them all, their tribe and generation ! From this 
day forth I abjure all fellowship with them, but such fellowship as 
jny sword may maintain ! The maideu, bonuy damsel, shall dance 
yet at my bidding, but it shall be on board my merry Escalfador, 
and benciitii a warmer siui than her pride has been nurtured iu. 



THI? BLACK CHAPEI, OF MARTI-AND. 23 



And tlion, Master Albert, sliall be cared for ; and Master Collector ! 
Ha ! liii ! Tbere shall be blows struck ; there shall be rich feastiug 
for the Brothers of the Coast! Why shoiilcl we hover o'er the nest- 
lings of Peru, when we have such diiinty deviltries in the temperate 
zone? I will straight about this plot of mischief whilst my brain is 
yet warm enough to hatch it. ^Mcit l. 

END OF ACT n. 



ACT III. 

Scene I. — Roadside Scene in First Cfrooves. 
Elder Anthony Waeden and Blanche, l., and Albeet Vejhetden, n. 

War. Welcoiue, Master Verheyden, heartily welcome ! Give ns 
a hand, good Albert. I thank thee for the service thou hast done iu 
lowering the plume of that saucy sea-urchin. Why didst thou not 
run him through the body ? 

Albert. I sought no quarrel with the skipper, and am thankful 
that we parted with so little hurt. Mistress Blanche, your birthday 
feast will be well remembered in the province for the i^leiisure it has 
given, and you have won many wishes for a long and happy life. 

Bkuiche. Alas ! whatever others may think, I have wept sorely for 
that unlucky feast. I have reason to grieve that I was persuaded to 
make it. 

War. Master Verheyden, you shall take my place for a stroll with 
Mistress Blanche. I have a more profitable calling to visit my fields. 
Ha ! Master Albert, you wear a love token on your breast. ( Takes 
hold of locket hung from Ai,bert's xecfc, under his cloak. J Some lady 
of the other side of the water, eh ? 

Albert. 'Tis my poor mother's likeness. She put it around my 
neck with her own hands as she lay upon her death-bed, and 1 have 
worn it ever since. It is the only remembrance I have of her. I was 
a child when she died, but not too young to feel the loss of one who 
loved nie so well. 

War. Pardon, good lad ! a thousand times I beg your pardon for 
my rash speech. Parewell, I will see you again at dmner. 

CExil L. Blanchk and Albeut iculk. 

Albert. It is a lovely morning, Mistress Blanche. Heaven has 



24 ROB, THE HEKMIT ; OB, 

garnisUecl no fairer laud than this, uor is there a nook npou this wide 
globe that I would sooner make luj' home. 

Blanche. I trust it will ever he your home. Master Albert. They 
who come hither from the Old World seldom think of going back. 

Albert My fortunes are guided by my good lord, and even now 
he sometimes speaks of going hence again to England. With my 
own free will I should never leave tLis sunny land. 

Bkuiche. Surely his lordship would not take you hence against 
your will. Indeed we could not — his lordship will not leave the pro- 
vince again — or if he does 

Albert I needs must follow at his command. 

Blanche. He will not command it, Master Albert, His lordship 
may command j ou stay. 

Albert. I need not his command : your wish, Mistress Blanche, 
nay, your permission, would keep me here, even if my inclination 
tended back to the Old World. 

Blanche. My wish, Albert! How could I have any other wish 
but that you stay? Do we not sing and play together? ride, sail 
and hunt together ? Oh, how could I wish other than that you stay 
with us, Albert ? 

Albert. Come, then, what hazards may ; I swear by this good day, 
and by this beauteous world, that I will never leave thee ! 

(Presses her hand to his lips, and exeunt B. 



Scene II. — Interior of the Black Chapel in Third grooves. Practica' 
ble door, l.f. Rough table icilh liquor aiid tobacco on it, c. Casks, 
boxes, etc. , about .stage. Lights burni)ig upon table. Stage half dark. 
Distant tliunder heard at intervals. 

The Pirate Crew discovered seated on casks, boxes, cfec. — Bichabd 
CocKLESCRAFX in centre, elevated above the others — Rob, the Heumit 
seated b. , looking over papers by light of la)dern. Kate of Wabrino- 
TON waiting upon the revelers. 

Coc. ( Brandishing a wine-cup. ) Drink hearty, lads ! Drain dry 
to the Escalfador ! Our merry ship shall dance to-morrow on the 
green wave ; so do honor to the last night we spend ashore. Remem- 
ber, we have a reckoning to settle with the good folks of St. Mary's 
before we depart. Are you all ready to follow me in an exploit of 
rare deviltry ? Speak, boys ! 

0)nnse. Ay, ready, Muster Captain ! 

Bob. (Aside.) Ay, as ready as wolves to suck the blood of 
lambs ! (Aloud.) How can they be otherwise under thy teaching, 
Richard? - 



THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MAEYLAND. 25 

Coc. Ha ! old di-}' bones, art thou awake ? By St. lago ! I thought 
thy leadeu eyelids had been closed ere this. Ho, lads, lead Mas- 
ter Robert forward — we will treat him as becomes a mau of wor- 

Rob. (Drawing dagger.) By St. Eomuald! the mau that lays 
baud upon me to move me where it is uot my pleasure to go, shall 
leave his blood upou this floor. Who are you, Richard Cocklescraft, 
that you venture to bait me with your bullies? 

Coc. How now, Master Rob? (Rising and approaching Rob.) 
Would'st quarrel with friends ? 'Twas but iu honest reverence tiiat I 
would have had tiiee led to the table. Come, old comrade, we will 
uot be ruffled when we are to part so soon. 

Rob. A hangdog — a scapegrace — a devil's babe iu swaddling 
bands of iniquity art thou, Child Richard! ( Laughing bitterly. ) 1 
will pledge thee iu a cup. Fill n:e a cnp of that wine of Portugal, 
Kate. (Kate hands him glass — he rises. ) Here's success to your 
next venture, and a merry meeting to count your gains. 

Coc. Auien to that ! Our next venture .shall be a swoop upon the 
doves of St. Mary's. 

Kale. A merry meeting it will be when you count your gains ! 
Robert Swale will keep the reckoning of it. 

Coc. Peace, old woman, your accursed croaking is always loudest 
when least welcouie ! 

Roche. Fill for me, brothers ! I will pledge the captain aud our 
company — with "his lordship's secretary." We 'Owe him a reckon- 
ing which shall be paid iu the coin of the Costa Rica. 

Coc. Bravo ! Huzza, boys— shout to tliat ! Drink deep to it, in 
token of a deep vengeance. I thank you, Roche, for that remem- 
brance. Now, comrades, we nuist depart to bring the brigantiue 
down to the mouth of the creek. Aud then — to the city, to the 
city I 

(Exeant all, door l.f. Rain, thunder and lightning. A knock 
is heard at door. Albeht Vekhexden speaking outside. 

Albert. Good people, arouse, for the sake of a benighted traveler 
who has lost his way iu the wood, I pray you give me shelter. 

(Door opens. 

Enter Albekt Veuhetden, l.f., enveloped in a doak. 

Albert. Here have been dwellers, and that recently ; but whither 
Lave they fled ? I met no one as I came from the wood. Oh, I am 
wet aud wear}'. But what kind of storehouse is this? I would I 
might see its keepers. Surely they cannot be far ofif, for their flugons 
are left behind ; and not drained, either, for here I find good wine, 
which to my wearied fnuiie, i.s no boon to be despised. I greet you, 
honest iiecter, (drinking) you come at a good time. Heigho ! was 
ever man so weary. I will lie down on these coarse wrappings and 
repose. (Lies down c. and sleeps. 



26 BOB, THE HERurr; ob, 

Enter Rob, the Hebmit, with lantern, door ii.F. Heavy storm. 

Rob. I left my wallet in this cursed chapel aud must fiud it. 
Should these night birds make prize of my written memorialtj — ah ! 
what is this I see I a stranger ! ( Advances — stoops, with da/jger iip' 
lifted, above AjjBep.t —suddenly starts — drops dagger to his side — starts 
back. ) Blessed St. Romuakl, shield me from this sight ! It is a 
spectre conjured hither from the grave — the juggling cheat of a fiend 
that reads to me, in that face, the warning of a life of sin ! Oh, 
heavens ! I cannot strike thee, whatsoe'er thou art ! So, in very 
truth she looked while slumbering on her pillow. That same fair 
forehead — that silken eyelash— that curling lip. Who art thou, aud 
what witchcraft hath thrown thee into this foul abode ? Sure, I am 
awake. I have not closed mine eyes this night. There stand the 
tokens of this night's debauch — these cups, these flasks, and this 
familiar den of villainy — all bear witness that I do not wander in my 
sleep. These limbs are fle.-sli aud blood, (raises Albebt's hand from 
his breast) and that brow is warm with the lieat of healthful action. 
Holy saints of heaven! can it be? "What is here? (Draxos forth 
locket and chain from Albiskt's bosom.) "To Louise." Merciful 
heaven ! by what miracle am I haunted by this sight ! Louise, poor 
girl !— that little portraitof thyself I gave tliee with my own hand — 
'tis now two-and-twenty years ago. And Ciin this be thy child and 
mine, Louise ? Oh, hapless was thy fate, but doubly wretched mine. 
William Wetherby — thou hast been the fool and dupe of that devilish 
disease of thy blood that has brought curses upon thee aud thine! 
There, sleep on the bosom of thy chikl, mother of an unhappy des- 
tiny. (Replaces locket.) This is no place for thee, unwary boy. I 
must rouse thee ere these bloodhounds fall upon thy track ! 

(AiJSERT awakes, sprimjs up, und draws his siowd. Thunder 
and ligldiiiiii). 

Albert. Where um I — aud who are ye? Your pardon, friend. 
(Dropping his siooni's point. ) I had an evil dream that awoke me. 
Will your goodness tell me— for I am a benighted traveler — what 
place this is, aud to whom I am indebted for this shelter ? 

Elder Richard CocKLEscRAFr, Roche dei. Caumine, Pedro, and 
Francis, door l.f. 

(Joe. Ha, by St. lago ! thou art most welcome. Master Yerheyden ! 
'Tis my house, make free with it. I did not hope for the honor of 
this visit — thrice welcome ! 

Albert. A misadventure has thrown me iuto the f>ower of banditti. 
I have naught to say. I know your wicked will, and can hope for no 
mercy. 

Coc. You guess me right. You aud yours especially I hate— aud 
I have sworn against your life. By the law of our brotherhood you 
die this night. Roche del Carmine, take him forth and discharge a 



THE BLACK CHAPEL OP MAKTLAND. 27 

brace of pistols into his lieart. His heart — be Kure of it — I would 
strike his heart — it shall kill more than one. 

Bob. Kichard Cockleseraft, have I lost m^' anthoritj' under this 
roof, that tliou veutiirest to usurp luj' right to decree tlie fate of tlie 
rash fool who invades oiir secret. At the peril of j'our life, Roche 
del Ciirmiue, dare to do the bidding of yotir captain. 1 will pro- 
iioiuice the doom of this iutrndiiig spy. Drown him ! Let the wide 
waters wash away all traces of the deed ; let the ravening shark de- 
vour him. 

Coc. Ha, ha, ha ! you have a conceit in your humanity, Rob ! 
Do it — do it in your way ; but in the devil's name be quick about it. 
I have good sport for tliese lads to-night, and little time to lose. 

Huh, Give me Francis and Pedro, and I will order the matter my- 
self. 

Coc. See thou, then, to it. Come, Roche, we will away to our 
duties. 

(EKewd RicHAiin Cocki.esckaft and Rochk del Cabmine donr 
L.F. — FuANCis and PiiDKO disarm Albkut, and hind lain with 
cords. 

Albert, Why didst thou not take my life at once ? AVhy mock my 
spirit with tlds horril)le delay? I appeal to stones ; to bmtes more 
senseless than stones. Holy martyrs ; aid me in my extremity ! 
Heaven will avenge this wrong. 

7^/^. Wiiy do^t falter, knaves? Ha! yon nuist be wrought by 
your iiccustomeil devil to this work. There, go to it ; there are strong 
Waters to aid yoiu' lacking cournge. ( Gives them a bottle — they driidc. ) 
Fear it not, Pedro! Stint not, Francis! 'Tis an ugly job at best, 
and needs tliis aid. Diirdc again ! 

Pedro. Ay, that I will, like a Bloody Brother! (Drinks. 

i'Vdnc/s. Ha, Diavolo ! Give me the bottle ! 

C Takes it arid drinks. 

Roh. Bi-ave lads, both ! But we shall be late with our work, 
baste thee ! 

Pedro. The necklace— I had forgot the necklace ! 

(Exits, and rehiriis loilh lanje round stone tied tcilh cords — puis 
it aroniid Alb1''.ri's neck. 

Rob. Now to the sl<iff, boys ; get it ready upon the beach. See 
that you have the oars. ( Rcemd Pkdro a)id Fbancis, door l.f. ) 
In heaven's name, boy, caus't swim? 

Albert. I can. 

Rub. Thanks for that word ! Thou wilt sit beside me iu the boat 
— I will cut these cords. Wlien I extinguish my light, spring into 
the waves — make for this shore, I will det.iin these drunken knaves 
from pursuit. Make your way northward along the beach and you 
will be saved. 

Pedro. (Looking in (d door. ) All ready. Master Rob. 

Roh. Take more driidt, Pedro —it is a wet uight. 

(PiiDiio e)ders u)id drinks —Exeunt all, doot L.P. 



28 BOB, THE HERMIT ; OR, 

Enter Richard CocKLESCRArr, Roche del Carmine, and Ceew, 
doo7; li.F. 

Coc. We have just time for a glass and a partiug song while wait- 
ing for Rob's return. Ha ! boys, but theie will be one ballad-singer 
less in the world ! Now I may sing without a rival, so strike in, 
boys ! ( Piude or drinkbuj song and choi'us. 

Enter Rob, the Hermit, Pedko and Francis, door l.f. 

Rob. (Aside. ) Holy Saints, 1 thank tliee ! and here on this 
threshold, I dedicate the remnant of a siniul life to penitence and 
prayer! (Aloud. J Ha! Master Cocklescraft, a stormy night we 
Lave had for this foul play. 

Coc. Have you done it, and well? By my fellowship, Rob, I 
envy you the deed. Did he pray for his lifii? Oh, it was a rare 
chance that gave him to us tiiis night ! Tell ns how he bore 
Lin)self. 

Hob. Ah, Master Cocklescraft, hear me. The salt sea is an unruly 
monster. It quenched my light — we shipped a hogshead of brine. 
A darker night was never known. A moment and lie was gone. 
The waves that overwhelmed us did wash him over without our 
aid. 

Coc. A weight was fastened to him ? 

Hob. It was. 

Coc. And did he shuffle it off? Pedro, was the weight left in the 
boat ? 

Pedro. It was, niiister. I know not how it happened. 

Coc. Ten tliousand devils! thou drunken f(^ol, he has escaped! 
Coidd'st thou not keep thy head clear for such a service ? And thou, 
old Hob, the Hermit, couldst thou not keep thy lantern burning for 
it? Fool that I was, to trust this matter to such as you ! How came 
he to be so weakly bound that in this brief time he could release him- 
self? 

Jioh. Thon must needs have a revel in the chapel to-night, and 
these tarred monsters of thine have grown muddy-brained ami tliick- 
sighted. Have I command of the waves that they should not have 
power to extinguish my luntern ? 

Coc. Tlie curse of the Brothers of the Coast be upon him ! Twice 
he has escaped me— I will have my vengeance yet. Rob, as the f^x 
has escaped from your hand I may claim a service from you. I start 
immediately for St. Mary's, with a dozen of my best men. 1 have 
doings ou foot, old Rob, that shall pay me for this mishap. I will 
put the brigantiue — wilh what few men I leave behind— under your 
command. You will go aboard, anil direct it lo an anchoraiie on 
the other side of tlie first of the Heron Islands. There I will join 
you soon after daylight. Oh, but his lordship's city shall ring wilh 



THE BLACK CHAPEL OF MARYLAND. 29 

Trailing at my leave-taking I What sayest tboii, Rob, wilt go 
aboard ? 

Eob. When do you set forth ? 

Coc. Now — ou the iustaut — so soou as I may get my cutthrouts 
started. 

Rob. At what hour does the brigautiue.sail ? 

C<ic. By two o'cloclv, at latest— as much sooner as you choose. 

Hub. Ha, ha, ha ! Thou wiit make me a iiuib to help thy 
deviltry? Well, so be it. I will take ou the office of skipper for 
awhile, even as thou takest ou thy more accustomed garb ot au iu- 
carnate devil. 

Coc. 'Tis agreed. Behiud the first island, remember, Rob. Be 
cautious you do not cast anchor where you may be observed. 

liob. Ha, ha ! Ay, truly, I icill be very careful that no one sees the 
brifjantine ! 

END OF ACT HI. 



ACT IV. 

Scene I. — The Onrden and Exterior of the Rose Crofl in Foudh 
grooves. Stage darkened. Set house, i..c., with practicable door and 
upper window. 

Enter Richakd Cocklesckaft, Roche del Cabmine, and Cbew, 
armed, it. 

Coc. Quiet, brothers, quiet. Li.sten to me. Creep in silence to 
yonder dwelling, and pluck from her bed the fairest dumsel of this 
Western World. JMurk me, comrades — you have sacked towns and 
spoiled many au humble roof ; you have torn children from the arms 
of their mothers, and wives from the arms of their husbands ; you 
Lave dragged maidens frnm the inmost chambers of their dwellings, 
and laughed at their pra\eis fiu- saletv ; and you have riutod over all 
with the free license of tiie Bloody Brothers — but take it to your 
souls this night that no unnecessary blow be struck, no outcry raised, 
lio deed of violence done. 1 go to seek a bride — not plunder ; and I 
conunand you all, on the duty you owe your leader, that you do her 
all honor as mistress uf the Escidfadoi'. Do you heed me, mess- 
mates? Roche del Carmine, to yuu 1 look to see this order eu- 
forced. 



30 ROB, THE HEBMIT ; OB, 

Roche. If it be but the taking of a single damsel, it was hardly 
worth while leuviug the bottle of the chapel, 

6-c. Dost thou prate, sirrah? By my sword, I am in earnest iu 
wb:it I say — I will shoot down any uiau who disobeys my order. 

RocJie. I will answer for the crew. The lady shall be handled as 
gently as a child iu the arms of its uurse. 

Oniues. Ay, ay, the captain shall not complain of ns. 

G'iG. (Advaiic'uig. ) 1 could wake thee, lady gay, with as blithe a 
serenade as ever tuned thy dreams to pleasant measures— but that I 
lack the instrument. And though I be not the cavalier of thj' fancy, 
pretty rose of St. Mary's— yet, by my soul, I love thee well enough to 
put myself to some pains to teach thee how thou shalt love me. We 
dance together on tlie greeu Avave to-morrow, lass ; little as you 
dream now of such merriment. And as I would not have thy blushes 
seen, I must lead thee forth before the day. Now, boys ! ( Ad- 
Vdiices and slioid.i.) What ho! Fire, thieves, robbers! (Strikes 
door of house. ) Rouse thee, rouse th6e. Master Warden I 

(A scream is heard tcilhin — Upper window opens — Anthony 
Wahden appears al it. 

Warden. Wliat does tliis mean ? Who comes at this hour to dis- 
turb the family ? Who are ye, I say, that seek to disturb the rest of 
my household with your villainous shouting? 

Coc. (Aside.) Answer hi ui, Roche, 1 dare not. 

Roche, Open your door, collector, we have business with you. 

War. Get you hence, drunken knaves, or I will call my servants 
and drive you off the grounds. 

Coc. By my hand, if you do not open your doors, Master Warden, 
we will break them open, and quickly ! 

Wiir. Who are you that speaks so saucily ? 

Coc. Ricliard Cocldescraft, an old friend, who, being abont to put 
to sea, would pay his last visit to the ofi&cer of the port. Throw 
open your doors, old man, or it may be the worse for thy gray 
head ! 

W(('r. ( Slioidlng inside and leaving window.) Ho, Michael, 
Nicholas. Thomas, up - we are beset ! 

(RicHAiiD CocKLEHCRAFT and Crew atlaclc door, be(dbig it down 
— Anthony Wardkn discovered in door with qnn — tiervanis 
appear belund — Anthony Warden yires, and Roche dkl, Car- 
uitim falls dead. 

War. (Taming to servant behind ) Give me thy gun, Michael! 
I will teach these villains better manners. Back, knaves ! ( He is 
seized by two pirntes. ) "Unhand me, ruffians ! Help, help ! 

(Servants disapjiear — a pirnie is abont to strike Anthony. 

Coc. Stay that blow, couaid ! Stiike him and you fall by my own 
sword ! ( Taming aside the pike with lii-i cnt]nss — Piclnre. 

B anche. (Appearing at door, and spiingiiuj forward. ) Save my 
fatiit-r. Oh. lieaven, spare his life. Men of blood, have mercy ou 
his ago ! Ho is old —too old to do you harm. Oh, save him ? 



THE BLACK CHAPEL o; MABYLAND. 31 

Coc. For thy sake, gentle mistress, if for no other, he shall uot 
suffer barm ! Follow me, comrades, we Lave all we wisli ! 

(Seizes Blanche and raises her aloft in his aims — Anthonv en- 
treaiing — Pirates form group — l^ableau — Closed in. 



Scene II. — The Island of Si. George. Wood scene, with water i?i 
distance, in third grooves. 

Enter Bicbabd Cocklescbaft icith Blanche Wabden and four Sail- 
ors, B. 

Coc. (Looking off.) The brigantiue ehonld be in sight from 
here, aud yet I see it not. Have I again been foiled by that old 
dotard of iSt. Jerome's ? has he overslept himself, or given way to 
some freak of his devilish temper? Why did I trust a laggard with 
this enterprise? Yet he is trusty, aud has a devil's spice in him that 
fits hiui for such a duty. He w ill be here auou ; the wind has left 
him, and what he had was in his teeth ; tbe Esculfador does not keep 
pace with my lougiugs. Patience, patience, we will wait here for 
him. John of Br.izil, use your time to scoop a grave for our coju- 
rade Roche, and see him buried as suits a Brother of the Coast. 
( One man exits n. ) Joseph, you and a'messmate kindle a fire under 
yonder oak ; our fair mistress is frozen into a dead silence. ( Ktennt 
two vie)i.) Harry Skelton, get to the lower end of the island, and 
watch for the coming of the brigautine. ( Exit one maji, l. ) Mow, 
Lady Blanche, you shall have sway over the whole island. You have 
your liberty, pretty maid of St. Mary's, so cheer up and make a fair 
use of it. 

Blanche. Save me ! spare a wretched girl who has never imagined, 
thought or spoken word of harm against you. Save me from a 
broken heart and bewildered brain ; from misery, ruin and disgrace ! 
If I, or any friend of mine, liave ever given you ofifence, on my knees, 
(kneeling) and in the dnst I entreat forgiveness. Oh, sir, if one 
toucli oi' pity dwells in your bosom, think of the miserable baing at 
your feet, and send her back to her home. Land me but on yonder 
shore, and morning and evening I will remember you in prayers, and 
invoke blessings on your henil ! 

Coc. Arise, sweet giil, this pf)stiire does not become our queen. 
(Sloops to ra>se her — slie slirihks buck. ) Tiiis is but a foolish sorrow. 
Do I not love yon, Blnnche? Ay, by tlie Virgin ! and mean to do 
well by you. I have chains of gold and je\^ els rare to make you as 
gay as the gaudiest flowers of the field. I will bear you to an en- 
chanted isle, where slaves shall bend before you to do your bidding. 
We will abid.- in a sea-girt tower upon a sunny cliff; aud through 



32 BOB, THR HEEMIT ; OH, 

your window sliall the breezes from the blue Atlantic fan j'ou to 
eveiiiug slumbers. My gaj' bark shall be your .servant, aud ritle at 
your command upou the wave ; whilst our merry lueu shall take 
tribute from all the world, that you may go braver and more daintily. 
Cheer up, my weeping mistress, your misfortuu'S is not so absolute 
as at first you feared. 

Blanche. (Spri)i(jii up — reb-eals a step. ) Base wretch ! I dare to 
spuiu your suit. Defenceless I stand here — a weak and captive girl 
— if it be the last word 1 Lave to utter — I abhor you and your loath- 
some offer. Did j'ou think— did you think, sir, when you stole me 
from my father's house — that fair speech from you or promise of 
gold, could wiu me to be your wife ? With holy and saddest rever- 
ence, I call my guardian saint to hear my vow — though I die I never 
will be yours ! 

Voices. (WltJiouL) A boat ! we are followed, we are followed! 

Enter Pxbates, hurriedly, k. 

Coc. What! we are followed? Stand, my lads, or — if needs be — 
scatter. Oh, wliere can be that cursed brigantiue ! 

Blanche. They come! they come! Heaven be praised, they will 
rescue me. (A shot is heard. 

Goc. (Seizes Bt,ANCHE.) Fire at j'our peril! You eudauger the 
life of tha Rose of St. Mary's! Fly, men, fly, to the boat, to the 
woods ! (Kceniit Piuates. ) You cannot longer call me cruel, pretty 
maiden, for I give you back in pure courtesy to your friends. We 
Lave Lad a gay morning of it, girl— I would it Lad been longer. 
Without asking the favor, I kiss thy cheek. Farewell, farewell ! 

(Kisses her rapidly and exits, l. 

Enter Bob, the HKRMrr, Captato Dauntrees, Lord Baltimore, Al- 
bert Verheyden, Anthony Warden, Arnold de la Grange and 
Soldiers, b. Arnold de la Gbangk and Soldiees cross to L., and 
exeunt 

Gapt. (Seizhig Blanche.) Heaven bless thee, dear Iilistress 
Bhmche, your father is <a happy n:an again ! Take her, friends, you 
best know how to couifoit lier. (Hands her lo Anthony and Albert, 
who welcome Iter.) By my trutli, that Trojan war and rape of Helen 
they tell of was nothing' to (liis ! (E.vit l. 

Bob. ( Advanc'uKj toi^ard Ai3EUT. ) Oh, heaven, I have been re- 
served for this deed ! I have saved his bride, ns in mercy I was 
spared to save iiis liff. Gome closer to me, boy, that I may look 
tliee in tlie face once more— my eyes are old and dim. I have placed 
iiiyst'lf below my fellownien, and grovelled in tlie basest companion- 
ship, hut I liavt! savf d his life. All, Albert, I had made up my mind 
to save it even with loss of my own. 

Lord B. Bobert Swale, you were thought to be an honest, though 



THK BLACK CHAPEL OF MAUYLAND. 33 

solitary and misanthropic man — while you were, in reality, in part- 
nership with ruthless men. Long has the province rung with Btories 
of wicked rites celebrated at the Black Chapel. No sorcery nor 
witchcraft hiilh wrought these terrors ; but the trickery of lawless 
ruffians with whom y(m were banded. The great services you have 
done in the Having of the secretary's life, and your reniovid of the 
brigantine and prompt repairing here to show ns the hiding-place 
of the pirates, show an honest thoitgh late purpose of ameud- 
lueut 

Rob, My lord, if a life clouded by disgrace and stung with misery 
may atone for one deed of passion, I pray that my fate may raise one 
voice of pity. Sixteen years ago I sailed from the other side of the 
Atlantic, my name hidden from the world, as I hoped to hide my- 
self. Our ship was wrecked tipon this coast, and my wretched life 
Mas saved. I was found, famished and almost lifeless, upon the 
beach of St. Jerome's, by Kate of Wurrington, who lived a strange 
and solitary life in the woods near by. I recovered, and dwelt in a 
hut near the sjDot where the waves had left me, for many long 
and weary years. Four years ago a band of buccaneers came to 
these waters. They tempted me. My old passions and thirst for 
gold returned, and I became an aid, comrade, ay, chief among 
them. 

Ente7- Captain Daunteees, Arnold de la Gbange and Soldiers, toith 
Richard Cocklkscraft, closely guarded, l. 

Coc. Hands off, hands off, T say ! Hemmed in and overwhelmed, 
I surrender, and ask no favor at your hands. (Flings down his 
siDord. ) We came not here prepared for this. Take your victory 
and make the most of it. 

Lord B. Viper ! Does no sense of shame abash thy brow, here, 
in the verj' presence of those thou hast so foully wronged ? Have 
the laws of the province no tenors for thee, outlaw ? 

Coc. I never acknowledged your lordship's laws. I have lived 
above them- coming and going as I would. I have but one master 
here, Lord Baltimore, and that is old Rob, the Hermit, my fellow- 
prisoner with you. We will die together. 

Bob. Peace, knave ! I know thee and thy villainies of old. 
Never again call me comrade of thine. Know you now, that I 
saved the secretary's life — that I gave back the daughter to her 
father's arms. 

Coc. Thou ! thou ! Didst Ihmi, then, betray me ? 

Rob. I foiled thee in thy horrid plot — I saved the boy's life, ha, 
ha! I saved his life; and left thee on the island without a refuge 
Thy villainy deserved it. 

Coc. Foiled ! foiled ! Betrayed, and by thee ! Take the reward 
of thy devilish betrayal. Accursed, thrice accursed, die! (Spri)iga 



34 BOB, THE HEBMIT. 

upon EoB, THE Hermit, draws long knife from Rob's girdle, and slabs 
Rob iu Vie breast. ) We meet at auother tribunal ! 

(Slabs himself to the heart and falls dead — Rob, thu Hermit 
totters— is raised by Albert Vi'.rhetden — Blanche Warden 
near Albert — Tableau formed by other characters in the back- 
ground. 
Bob. My web is wove. Albert Verheyden — thou lookest upou 
thy father— William Wetherby— a man of crime and misery. Thy 
baud, boy, thy lips upon my brow — there, there. Pity me, my son. 
Be happy with thy bride — and forgive me for thy mother's sake 
Poor Louise — Louise (He sinks and dies — I'ableuu 



OUBTAIM. 





■ 


THE ETHIOPIAN DRAMA. 




PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. 




1 Robert Make-Airs. 


56 Stage-struck Darkey. 




2 Box and Cox. 


57 Black Mail. 




3 Mazeppa. 


58 Highest Price for Old Clothes. 




4 United States Mail. 


59 Howls from the Owl Train. 




5 The Coopers. 


60 Old Hunks. 




6 Old Dad's Cabin. 


61 The Three Black Smiths. 




7 The Rival Lovers. 


62 Turkeys in Season. 




8 The Sham Doctor. 


63 Juba. 




9 Jolly Millers. 


C4 A Night wid Brudder Bones. 




10 Villikins aud his Dinah. 


65 Dixie. 




11 Tlie Qnack Doctor. 


66 King Cuffee. 




12 The Mystic Spell. 


67 Old Zip Coon. 




13 The Black Statue. 


68 Cooney in de Hollow. 


, 


14 Uncle Jeflf. ' 


C9 Porgy Joe. 




15 The Mischievous Nigger. 


70 Gallus Jake. 




16 The Black Shoemaker. 


71 De Coon Hunt. 




17 The ISIagic Penny. 


72 Don Cato. 




18 The Wreck. 


73 Sambo's Return. 




19 Oh Hush ; or. The Virginny Cu- 


74 Under de Kerosene. 




20 The Portrait Painter. [pids. 


75 Mysterious Stranger. 




21 The Hop of Fashion. 


76 De Debbil and Dr. Faustum. 




22 Bone Squash. 


77 De Old Gum Game. 




23 The Virginia Mummy. 


78 Hunk's Wedding Day. 




24 Thieves at the Mill. 


79 De Octoroon. 




25 Comedy of Errors. 


80 De Old Kentucky Home. 




26 Les Miserables. 


81 Lucinda's Wedding. 




27 New Year's Calls. 


82 Mumbo Jum. 


. 


28 Troublesome Servant. 


83 De Creole Ball. 




29 Great Arrival. 


81 Mishaps of Caesar Crum. 




30 Rooms to Let 


85 Pete's Luck. 




31 Black Crook Burlesque. 


86 Pete and Ephraim. 




32 Ticket Taker. 


87 Jube Hawkins 


i 


33 Hypochondriac. 


88 De Darkey's Dream. 


; 


34 William Tell. 


89 Chris Johnson. 


' 


35 Rose Dale. 


90 Scipio Africanus. 




36 Feast. 


91 De Ghost ob Bone Squash. 




37 Fenian Spy. 


92 De Darkey Tragedian. 




38 Jack's the Lad. 


93 Possum Fat. 




39 Othello. 


94 Dat Same Old Coon. 




40 Camille. 


95 Popsey Dean. 




41 Nobody's Son. 


96 De Rival Mokes. 




42 Sports on a Tjark. 


97 Uncle Tom. 




43 Actor and Singer. 


98 Desdemonum. 




44 Shylock. 


99 Up Head 




45 Quarrelsome Servants. 


100 De Maid ob de Hunkpuncas. 




46 Haunted House. 


101 De Trail ob Blood. 




47 No Cure", No Pay. 


102 Da Debbil and de Maiden. 




48 Fighting for the Union. 


103 De Cream ob Tenors. 




49 Hamlet the Dainty. 


104 Old Uncle Billy. 




TiO Corsi can Twins. 


105 An Elephant on Ice. 




51 Deaf— in a Horn. 


106 A Manager in a Fix. 




52 Challenge Dance. 


107 Bones at a Raffle. 




53 De Trouble begins at Nine. 


108 Aunty Chloe'. 




54 Scenes at Gurney's. 


109 Dancing Mad. 




55 16, 000 Years Ago. 


110 Juliauna Johnson. 




Either of the above will be sent h-\ 

HAPPY I 


'■ mail, on receipt of price, by 

I( )URS COMPANY, 






No. 5 Beekman Street, New York. 





LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



THE ACTL^C 



Single Life. 
Boarding School 
The hpittire. 
Irish Dragoon. 
School for Tigers. 
G.ibriellede Belle Isle. 
Tipperary Legacy. 
Deeds of DreadMl Note. 
A Peculiar Position. 
A Private Inquiry. 
I'll Tell Your Wife. 
Fast Family. 
Antony and Cleopatra 

I^Iarried and Settled. 
My Friend in the Straps. 
School for Scheming ( Love 

and Money). 
Our Mary Anne. 
Miseries of Human Life. 
An Irish Kngagement. 
How to Settle Accounts 

With Your Laundress. 
Advice Gratis. 
A Hasty Conclusion. 
Weak Points. 
Grace Darling. 
A Gray Mare. 
Middle Temple. 
The Original. 
The Sentinel. 
Tiger at Large. 
Why Did You Die? 
Sayings and Doings. 
Twin Brothers. 
Ask no Questions. 



PRICE 15 CENTi 



33 Cure for Coquetl 

34 Cabin Boy. 
33 Who Stole the Sp 

36 Mrs. Gamps Tea ai 

37 Village Doctor [Out. 

35 Family Pride. 

39 Queen Mary. 

40 Three Graces. 

41 Race Ball. 

42 Presented at Court. 

43 A Sign of .\fifection. 

44 Dancing Barber. 

45 Who's Your Friend ? 

46 Charity. 

47 Wicked World, [ing Well 

48 Mother and Child are Do- 

49 Lying in Ordinary. 

50 The Ringdoves. 

51 Camille. 

52 Lady Clancarty. 

Ten Nights in a Bar-room. 

Drunkard's Warning 

Fifteen Years of a Drunk- 
ard's Life. 

Fruits of the Wine Cup. 

Aunt Dinah's Pledge. 

Yankee Peddler. 

Vermont Wool Dealer. 

Persecuted Dutchman. 

Stage-Struck Yankee, 

The Limerick Boy (Paddy 
Miles Boy). 

Drunkard's Home. 

Bachelor's Bed-Room. 

PerfeLtion ^Tlie Cork Legl 



017 198 477 4 



.-,•■. i.,nc,v/ucn ^ira- xne — 
Putting on Airs. [Dragon. 
A Slight .Mistake. 
Patches and Powder. 
To Let, Furnished. 
The Lost Heir. 
Is the Man Mad? 
A Trip to Cambridge. 
Twenty and Forty. 
Hob-. Nobbing. 

The Great Eastern. 
Three Guesses. 
Getting up in the World. 
Wardrobe. 
Generous Jew. 
A Crumpled Rose Leaf 
Wild Flowers. [Ladies. 
Don't All Speak At Once, 
Woman Nature Will Out. 
Aunt Betsy's Beau.x. 
Child of Circumstances. 
Women's Club. 
Shamrock. 
The Changelings. 
Society for Doing Good but 
Matrimony. [Saying Bad. 
Refinement. 
Master-piece. 
Frenchman. 
Punch and Judy. 
My Precious Betsy. 

Woman of the World. 



THE AMATEUR STAGE. 



1 Aladdui and the Wonder- 

ful Lamp. 

2 The Loves of Little Bo- 

Peep and Little Boy Blue. 

3 Little Silver Hair and the 

Three Bears. 

4 Robin Hood; or, the Merry 

Men of Sherwood Forest. 

5 Little Red Riding Hood. 

6 The Frog Prince. 

7 Blue Beard; or. Female 

Curiosity. 

8 Jack, the Giant Killer. 

9 Two Gentlemen at Mivarts 

10 D.irk Deeds. 

11 Marry in Haste and Re- 

pent at Leisure. 

12 Wearing of the Green 

13 The Result of a Nap. 
1 ). Monsieur Pierre. 

i; Virtue Victorious. 

16 Love (Burlesque). 

17 .'\float and Ashore. 

i3 Tragedy Transmogrified. 

19 Fairy Freaks. 

20 A Medical Man. 



PKICE 15 CENTS EACH. 

21 Harlequin Little Red Rid- 

ing Hood, 

22 Fireside Diplomacy. 

23 Ingomar (Burlesque). 

24 Money Makes the .Man. 

25 The Happy Dispatch. 

26 An Eligible Situation. 

27 The Pet Lamb. 

28 The Last Lily. 

29 The Three Temptations. 

30 Katharine and Petruchio 

(Burlesque). 

31 His First Brief 

32 The Girls of the Period 

33 Matched but not Mated. 
;4 Penelope Anne. 

33 A Woman will be a Wo- 
man. 

36 Caught in his own Toils. 

37 Cousin Florence. 

3S Lucy's Love Lesson. 

39 A Game of Billiards. 

40 The Wrong Bottle 

41 A Lyrical Lover. 

42 ,\ Bad Temper. 

43 Women's Rights. 



Mischievous Bob. 

A Pint of Ale. 

The Last Drop. 

The Wine Cup. 

Out in the Streets. 

Mothers and Fathers. 

Taken in and Done For. 

All's Fair in Love and War 

Dross from Gold. 

Aunt Terusha's Visit. 

The Village Belle. 

Lord Dundreary's Visit. 

My Peter. 

The Cream of Love. 

'The Babes in the Wood. 

Closing of tht "Eagle." 

Don't Marry a Drunkard 
to Reform Him. 

Furnished Apartments. 

The Harvest Storm. 

Maud's Command. 

Out of the Depths. 

The Poisoned Darkies. 

Ralph Coleman's Refor- 
mation. 

Slighted Treasures. 



Either of the above will be seut by niail, on receipt of price, by 

HAPPY HOURS COMPANY, 

No. 5 Beekman Street, New York. 



